My goal is to eventually run a marathon. I've only ran a 5k in my life. How do I build up to this?

Thu. May 5, 12:40pm

very gradually

I haven't run a marathon, but I've done 1/2 marathons and even a 1/2 ironman. If you go to Google and search "marathon training" or something similar, you can find lots of programs.
Usually, you will do a short run, a medium run and build up a longer run on the weekend, minimally.
Have you picked your race?

Thursday, May 05, 2005, 3:41 PM

I haven't. I've just thought it was somewhat out of my reach. I'm pretty athletic and pick up new sports fairly quickly (snowboarding). My uncle even does the marine core marathon in a wheelchair so I've always thought that might be cool, to do that one (in DC)

Thursday, May 05, 2005, 5:51 PM

marathon

I've done three and I am by no means fast. All you need is discipline and a schedule. Try to find a group to run and train with, good motivation and keeps you accountable. Plus get on a beginner's plan and start about 4 months prior to the race. The race is awesome but the training can be even better.

Friday, May 06, 2005, 1:33 PM

I've done two (and was only doing 10min miles) and agree with the above post. Galloway had a nice run-walk schedule if you are just looking to finish. If you want to run the whole thing at any pace the runnersworld.com website has a good schedule for beginners.

One fo the most important training tools for me was doing all the training with a friend, it was very difficult to do the long runs (10, 12, 15, 18 miles) on my own. I used craigslist to find someone who was interested in running at my pace.

Sunday, May 08, 2005, 11:08 AM

Team in Training

I can recommend the Team in Training program -- you get a coach, a training schedule, group workouts (read: accountability!), and a fun group of people to train and race with. Check them out at http://www.teamintraining.org.

How many people have done marathons or other races through Team in Training? Was it a good experience? Was the fundraising hard?

Monday, February 20, 2006, 4:08 PM

I'm preparing to run the Seattle half-Marathon and started a group (2006 Seattle Marathon) for people to join. I've never done it before - luckily a friend who does triathalons is training me. I'm very excited!

I've been told that between now and June, I should do four short runs per week in preparation for the intense training that I will start later.

If you want to join, do a search for that group - I wouldn't mind if people joined that aren't in Seattle - getting other beginning runners for feedback/advice/support would be great!

Monday, February 20, 2006, 5:34 PM

I'm training for a half marathon. I am following a training schedule I found on halhigdon.com. He has various training schedules for various distances based on level of experience. I'm doing the Novice program.

It's great that you pick up new sports easily, but marathon running won't necessarily be one of them. Your body really needs to adjust. I recommend setting a goal of doing a half marathon first... or just plan to work a half marathon race into the appropriate time in your training. My boyfriend runs marathons (he's training for his 9th right now!) and he sticks religiously to his schedule. He got his from New York Road Runners. You can achieve this goal, but be sure to take your time and prepare. Good luck!

Tuesday, February 21, 2006, 8:29 AM

marathon runners

I am currently training for a 1/2 marathon on April 1. Despite the cold weather, I am up to running 9 miles for my once-weekly long run. Believe it or not, I haven't lost the first pound doing this! That is very discouraging to me, but I keep at it. I run extremely slow, probably average 11 minute miles on the long run. Once a week I do a shorter run with my husband, who can't go long, but does run faster. That way, I get a short, fast run as well as a long run every week. The goal is just to finish for me, but a few pounds lost would be great!

Tuesday, February 21, 2006, 9:28 AM

It's also a good idea to have regular weekly run totals of 20 miles at least before you even consider running a marathon. Go to runnersworld; they have some great training schedules. I'm going to be running my 4th marathon this fall. My oldest brother got me into them; he said that I was already running 30 mpw regularly, so I might as well train for one. I'd never run a race in my life, but I did run a 5k, a 10k, and a 1/2 marathon before I ran the marathon. At the very least, you need to be comfortable running with others. I'm used to running by myself (even long runs-I love the mental challenge and the chance to just be able to mediate while I run), so this was something I needed to get used to.
They do get addictive! I'm stating the obvious, but don't give yourself a time goal; just enjoy the marathon!
Beth (babooshka)

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